Mountain Rescue Aspen successfully retrieved two hikers stranded near Snowmass Lake after they attempted the challenging Four Pass Loop trail. The overnight rescue occurred on June 30.
The Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received an alert at 9:27 p.m. on Sunday from Garmin Company, reporting an SOS activation from a Garmin InReach device in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. The two hikers, whose identities have not been disclosed, had lost their gear and were exposed to harsh weather conditions without shelter.
Mountain Rescue Aspen assembled a team of four rescuers who set out on foot at 11:20 p.m., as hazardous weather conditions precluded a helicopter rescue. After a grueling night trek, the rescue team located the hikers at 5:04 a.m. on Monday, July 1.
The rescuers safely escorted the uninjured but cold and wet hikers down the Snowmass Creek Trail, reaching the trailhead at 10:17 a.m. Monday.
The Four Pass Loop is a demanding 25.7-mile trail traversing four 12,000-foot passes: Buckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Air, and West Maroon. Typically completed over three to four days, the trail attracts experienced hikers seeking a rigorous backcountry experience.
In light of this rescue, local authorities have issued a timely warning to hikers. “When entering backcountry areas in the early season, prepare for various trail conditions due to lingering snow and high water, estimate longer hiking times, and dress accordingly for the ever-changing climate,” stated a Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office news release.
The successful rescue highlights the vital role of emergency communication devices in backcountry safety. The hikers’ Garmin InReach device proved crucial in alerting authorities to their predicament, potentially averting a more serious outcome.
